Diecast Models
Several great names immediately spring to mind when it comes to the manufacturing
of diecast vehicles: Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox are the
obvious choices.
Dinky Toys first appeared in 1934. They were produced by Mecanno Limited
- the firm founded by Frank Hornby in 1901. Dinky Toys were designed to
compliment the Hornby railway system but soon grew into their own recognised
brand. Saloon cars made way for delivery vans, lorries, road making equipment and
military vehicles. Originally sold unboxed, they were eventually wrapped in corporate
boxes. The auction price of a Dinky toy can quite literally double if it has
its original box.
A Dinky diecast articulated Bedford lorry and a Coles Crane.
Corgi Toys were produced by a firm called Mettoy and first appeared in
direct competition to Dinky in July 1956. Their models differed from Dinky in that
they included plastic glazing and later jewelled headlights, which lent to greater
authenticity. Some of their more famous models reflected either TV or film themes
and included a Batmobile, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, James Bond’s Aston Martin and
other such classics.
Matchbox were a brand of diecasts produced by Lesney, and one of their
most popular ranges was the 1-75 Series of diecasts sold in boxes similar in size
to matchboxes. Called initially Lesney Moko, they eventually became known
as Matchbox Superfast and are still sold in matchbox size boxes.
Matchbox also produced a range of vintage cars under Models of Yesteryear,
which have been produced in five series or issues. Each series is numbered from
Y-1 onwards so it is important to know not only the Y number but also which issue
it is.
Continental rivals include Solido, Brumm, Marklin Polistil
and Burago.
Specialists
 | Brian Goodison-Blanks
Joint Department Head
|  | Martin McIlroy
Joint Department Head
|